← Back to library
Last updated February 2, 2026
Media unavailable
shoulderslatslower backteres majortrapezius
Row - Seated, Wide Grip (Cable)
Use a wide bar. Pull towards your upper chest with your elbows flared out. This targets the upper back and rear delts rather than the lats.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
upper back / rhomboids
Secondary
rear shoulders
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
cable
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on the cable row machine with your feet placed firmly on the footrests.
- Adjust the seat height so that your knees are slightly bent and your feet are flat.
- Step 2Grab the Handle
- Using a wide grip attachment, grasp the handle with both hands, palms facing down.
- Ensure your hands are wider than shoulder-width apart for the correct grip.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit up straight with your back aligned and your chest up.
- Engage your core and keep your shoulders down and back.
- Step 4Pull the Handle
- Pull the handle towards your torso by bending your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Keep your elbows wide and in line with your body as you pull.
- Step 5Return to Start
- Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control.
- Ensure your back remains straight and your core engaged throughout the movement.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the pulling and returning motion for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form with each rep to avoid injury.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the handle and sit upright.
- Ensure you are safely positioned before standing up from the machine.